Lauralee,
Thanks for reaching out. Happy to hear from you. Check my website: aceovercomers.org We now have online facilitator training. The first session (one of twelve) is free.
There is a difference between establishing a safe culture in a church and just adding a new class to the list of available classes.
Establishing a safe culture requires the pastor and leadership to "buy into" understanding and practicing trauma-informed approach to ministry. I'm not saying that the pastor must become a Harvey Milktoast ( I am quite direct in my preaching). I am saying that the pastor and leadership must understand the significant effects of ACEs and approach and embrace the wounded with the same compassion that Christ demonstrated. We must not discount or discard those who find it challenging to control their emotions and thought life. We must develop the empathy and sympathy necessary to come alongside and model and teach biblical self-awareness and self-regulation. (Biblical self-awareness and self-regulation is a whole other discussion)
When a pastor "gets" the science of trauma, people become very understandable and predictable. It makes counseling enjoyable and fruitful. You can help people take positive steps to embrace the principles that lead to life. "The wages of sin is death (that's the result of ACEs); but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23
When church leadership is more concerned with plans and programs than demonstrating the compassion and care of Christ, the person with a high ACE score will never feel accepted or at peace. They will feel intimidated, discounted, and retraumatized.
Before a congregation can become trauma-informed and safe, the leadership must deal with their trauma, and purposefully commit to modeling the example of Christ. Those in leadership must evaluate their ability to emotionally connect with others. I've sat under the preaching of a pastor who was proper in his sermonizing and business dealings, but had no ability to connect with his congregation. It created an emotionally sterile church. If the pastor is lacking in this area, the congregation must develop other leaders who can meet the needs of the emotionally wounded. Tip O'Neill, past Speaker of the House said, "All politics is local." And when it comes to congregations, "All ministering is personal."
When church leadership doesn't connect with the pew, ministry is reduced to herding, not leading.
Lauralee, I know I have written a lot, but most likely have not answered all your questions. Please feel free to call me at (209) 617-4688. I'm happy to discuss your specific needs and applications.
I live in California, so please call me during business hours in CA.
"These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Dave